Artists deck out dozens of skateboards for a rad exhibition at Dubuque’s Smokestack

A live and local example of the creative partnership between art and skate culture is realized in “The Skate Deck Art Show,” a collaborative exhibit brought to life by the Dubuque Area Arts Collective and Olliewood Action Sports. Over 100 artists, skaters and non-skaters alike, across all ages, channeled their energy into creating original works of art on skate decks.

Originally dubbed “sidewalk surfing,” skateboarding began as one of the original DIY sports. Wave surfers looking to practice when water conditions weren’t ideal crafted makeshift boards from scrap wood and wooden crates, attaching them to roller skate wheels. These mobile boards, often tagged with original artwork and designs, were now open to a world of sidewalks, stairs and empty swimming pools, laying the foundation for what we know as skateboarding today. 

As skateboarding grew in popularity and its design became more streamlined, collaborations between skateboarders and artists emerged. These partnerships elevated skateboards as not only a functional tool for the sport but as a platform for artistic expression.

The Dubuque Area Arts Collective organized the exhibit, their third based around skate decks, while Olliewood provided free blank decks to artists, fostering an inclusive space for seasoned creators and newcomers to showcase their creativity.

An open interpretation and variety of materials were used to express the individuality of each deck. Clay, wool, flowers, candles, stickers, paint and more, each one more unique than the last. The exhibit highlights how skateboarding transcends both action sports and cultural expression, with each deck in the show serving as a canvas. From intricate fine art to graffiti-inspired designs, a unique and vivid story is being told.

Beyond the exhibit itself, the event supports artists in real-world ways. Once the show concludes at the end of January, the skateboards will be displayed and sold at Olliewood, with proceeds shared with the artists. This model not only provides visibility to the artist and their work but also provides financial compensation for the creators, reinforcing the partnership’s commitment to the local art scene.

Visit the exhibit while it’s on display and support the talented artists by purchasing a deck for your own collection. Each board represents a vision and a vibrant piece of the artist and community that brought it to life. 

Whether you’re an art or skateboarding enthusiast, this exhibit reinforces that art is everywhere, even on the bottom of a skateboard.